Dear Editor,
I feel compelled, as the Town Supervisor, to respond to the letter entitled, “Genuine Intentions” that appeared in the Eastwick Press last week. The comment that I most strongly resent is the statement that the taxes will again be raised in 2015. This false prediction was assumed without any facts, opinions or information from the Town being taken into consideration. As the Financial Officer for the Town of Petersburgh, it is my intention to have a zero tax increase this year.
Additionally, in regard to the Youth Program finances mentioned in the article “PVMCC Starts Raising Funds For Youth,” the amounts quoted were incorrect as well. The total amount cut from the budget equals $4,665, not $6,000; also the amount allotted for 2014 is $3,000 not $1,600. This total amount includes $1,500 for salaries, and $1,500 for all contractual expenses. As for the State and County monies received, these figures are reimbursements, not additional funding for the budget. This fact was explained previously to Mrs. Bowman-Kluck, yet was still incorrectly accounted for within this particular article. Again, these statements were made incorrectly without making any sort of attempt to verify correct information with the Town.
I regretfully agree that this was a substantial amount cut, and would like to see the former budget amount from 2013 reinstated next year if possible. The current financial situation of the Town has forced many budgetary cuts in various important areas; although the Youth Program is an important asset in our Town, the fact is that our Town is struggling to function in light of so many drastic budgetary reductions. The functionality of all Town departments are at risk due to forced operation on minimal finances, and I hope that the taxpayers will take the entire situation into consideration and realize that these cuts were a very difficult decision to make.
Siegfried Krahforst, Supervisor
Town of Petersburgh
Editor’s note: Bowman-Kluck has since revised her figures and her revised article on the PVMCC fundraising will appear next week.